Swedish steel company SSAB has denied allegations that cyanide barrels were buried at its new steelworks construction site in Luleå, Sweden, even as police investigate work environment violations following multiple worker illnesses. According to reports, SSAB communications chief Charlotte Lindevall stated that comprehensive inventory checks and interviews with former employees did not support claims that cyanide barrels had been buried at the Svartön construction site. The allegations have created ongoing concern in the community.
Meanwhile, police have opened a preliminary investigation into work environment violations after approximately 20 workers from subcontractors at the site experienced illness symptoms. Seven workers reportedly required medical care, with four additional workers seeking treatment on Good Friday, prompting a work stoppage at the site. Police have determined the site is too dangerous for their own technical investigations and are awaiting inspections by the Swedish Work Environment Authority.
comprehensive inventory checks and interviews with former employees did not support claims that cyanide barrels had been buried at the Svartön construction site
Test results have shown elevated levels of toxic gas in machinery used at the construction area. The Work Environment Authority received a report about the situation at SSAB in late March and plans to conduct inspections.